MTV awards offer gender-neutral gong

A non-gendered best actor category has replaced the best male and female sections in this year’s MTV movie and television awards meaning Emma Watson will vie for the top gong with the likes of Hugh Jackman and James McAvoy.

The US network revealed the replacement of the top award for the May 7 ceremony which also marks first time in its 26 year history that shows on television and streaming services can receive nominations as well as movies.

Emma Watson arrives at the world premiere of Beauty and the Beast at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Photo: AP

The change pits star actress Watson, for her role in Beauty and the Beast, against Australia’s Jackman for his work in Logan for best actor, while Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and Emilia Clarke from Game Of Thrones will go up against The Walking Dead‘s Jeffrey Dean Morgan for best actor in a television show.

Break-out horror film Get Out is leading the way with six nominations, including nods for movie of the year and for its lead star, British actor David Kaluuya.

Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty And The Beast and Netflix drama Stranger Things each earned four nominations.

This year’s event will include five new categories: best American story; tearjerker; best host; best reality competition and best fight against the system, replacing the previous best fight award.

La La Land stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling will compete for the best kiss prize with Moonlight actors Ashton Sanders and Jharrel Jerome.

“We’re living in a golden age of content, and great storytelling and characters resonate regardless of whether you’re watching it in a theatre or on TV,” MTV president Chris McCarthy said.

Comedian Adam Devine will host the awards show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on May 7.